Stonycreek-Quemahoning Initiative: Diverse projects, one goal

August 18, 2004

(Editor's note: This is the fourth in a seven-part series exploring the Quemahoning Reservoir, from days when steel production was king to now, a time, when the future of the area is being shaped, both through recreation and the value of this resource.)

By JENNIFER THOMASDaily American Staff Writer

There was one common goal, but it seemed every group was headed in a different direction trying to get their project done first.

That was 13 months ago.

A lot has changed since then, according to Conemaugh Valley Conservancy Facilitator Mike Quinn.

"You really needed to bring all these people to the table and look at this as one comprehensive project."

Those words were taken to heart. Soon after the whitewater release, whitewater park, hiking trails and plans to protect the cultural and historic integrity of the community came together under one umbrella known as the Stonycreek-Quemahoning Initiative.

"It's designed to make sure it's not a mish mash of Chinese fire drills," said Quinn.

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Each project may be headed its own direction, but all have a common goal: increasing the quality of life in the region.

"There's no place I enjoy visiting more than where I live… It's all here," he said. "We've got so much that's right here in our back yard. Let's start using it intelligently."

Quinn said it seems to be happening.

"I've never experienced in my 30 years of planning where something has caught everyone's imagination so quickly, so comprehensively."

Topping the list seems to be water sports, paddling in particular at this time.

"The east is really the hotbed for whitewater in particular," said Ben Faas, consultant for a planned whitewater park in Conemaugh Township. "All these people come with families."

The township sits in the point position as it will be located in its own Greenhouse Recreation Park. The 300-yard park in the river will consist of two diversion and two drop structures within the stream banks. It will create a whitewater course the entire width of the river.

Instead, the project channels the water to the low point in the park, allowing the area to be used in the often dry summer months.

"It's going to be a great training ground."

Faas said permitting has been submitted and he expects responses in the next three to five months.

To create the park, boulders will be anchored to the stream bed. The bank is to be terraced for protection, allowing onlookers an easy view of the park.

Construction is expected to take just 45 days once it gets underway.

He expects this area to be increasingly popular for paddlers. Location is also key. The close proximity of other navigable waters makes it possible to enjoy an entire weekend of the sport.

"That's unheard of throughout the country."

Just upstream, work is already underway preparing the community for a whitewater release from the Quemahoning Reservoir. The hope is to capitalize on year-round paddling by releasing water on weekends

"It became clear that if a whitewater release happened, the best place to put in (boats) is Hollsopple," said Quinn.

The problem with that is Benson Borough - the community closest to Hollsopple and most likely having to handle the traffic and overflow - has a population of roughly 200.

Quinn said the infrastructure is nonexistent there.

The first step is planning for what happens when the release occurs and tourism jumps in the area. The second is identifying the needs and providing for them.

"What sort of service people literally come to expect when they visit," he said.

At the top of the list are parking, camping or overnight accommodations and food.

"We need to develop amenities so people can come and use the water," he said.

Right now, the initiative is involved in what is known as a visioning process.

Quinn said a team from Ball State University will be coming in mid-September to get grassroots feedback and develop a plan assimilating the needs and wants into a project for the community from that information.

"That really becomes the heart and soul of what we're doing… It's not someone coming in from the outside saying this is going to be best for you."

He said that's why it has become a focus of the initiative to create an environment that could support the tourism and provide access to the cultural opportunities that are in the region.

Faas said the way the initiative is developing, however, it's not just focused on paddling.

"We offer things for the entire family."

Working on another aspect is Clark Fisher of Fisher Works Consulting. Fisher is developing a feasibility study to extend the Jim Mayer Riverwalk Trail into the township. From there it could go to Windber and beyond.

"I can't really emphasize enough how important this trail can be for our community," he said.

"There's a lot of potential for really good things in the area."

The current 1.2 miles of trail is limestone-based and continues from Moxham to Riverside, winding along the Stonycreek River. Plans for a new section would encompass an additional 6.5 miles along the historic Johnstown Trolley Line.